Soba Noodle Making

Soba making (そば打ち, sobauchi) is one of Japan's most widely enjoyed cultural activities and is taught at countless locations around the country. An experience of making soba noodles usually lasts around 1-3 hours and consists of making the dough with buckwheat flour and water, then kneading, rolling and stretching the dough before cutting it into noodles. The experience often ends with cooking and consuming the noodles.

Many areas across Japan, especially rural areas with soil not ideal for rice cultivation, are famous for soba. But soba making classes are available practically nationwide, especially at craft villages and cultural centers. Lessons are also sometimes hosted in private homes in combination with other traditional crafts to make for a more in-depth cultural experience. Prices of soba making experiences typically range from 2,000 to 9,000 yen per person (usually 2,000-3,000 yen per person per hour).

Prior bookings are usually required around 2-7 days in advance. For non-Japanese speakers, it is recommended to book through one of the various English-language tour operators online which tend to advertise classes with English instruction. The experience can be slightly messy, and so wearing appropriate clothing is advised.